Which interviewing technique is best suited for a friendly interview subject?

The funnel approach, which starts with open-ended questions, is particularly effective for interviewing a friendly subject because it allows the interviewer to create a comfortable atmosphere right from the beginning. Open-ended questions encourage the subject to share their thoughts and experiences in a more detailed and personal way, promoting a more engaging and relaxed conversation.

This technique can help to establish rapport, as it gives the subject an opportunity to express themselves fully without feeling constrained. As the interview progresses, the funnel approach can then transition into more focused inquiries that are still responsive to the subject's earlier responses. This method effectively maintains the friendly tone of the interview while also gathering the information needed for the interview’s objectives.

By contrast, employing close-ended questions, which typically elicit simple yes or no answers, might not foster the same level of openness or detail in responses. Direct confrontation would likely create tension and may not be suitable for a friendly subject, as it could lead to defensiveness rather than a cooperative dialogue.